Glipizide in Situ Gels: A Promising Approach for Gastroretentive Drug Delivery

Glipizide, a second-generation sulfonylurea, is widely used to manage type 2 diabetes. However, it requires frequent dosing to its short half-life, low bioavailability, and site-specific absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Gastroretentive drug delivery system (GRDDS), especially in situ gels, address these issues by extending gastric retention and allowing sustained drug release. These systems convert from liquid to gel in response to physiological triggers like pH, ions, or temperature. Key polymers such as sodium alginate, gellan gum, poloxamers, and HPMC are used to formulate these gels. Evaluation parameters include gelation capacity, drug release profile, mucoadhesive strength, and floating behavior. Research indicates that in situ gels can sustain drug release for 12-24 hours, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. Despite their promise, challenges remain, such as ensuring formulation consistency and scalability. Future studies should focus on optimizing polymer combinations, conducting in vivo studies for validation, and addressing regulatory requirements to ensure safe and effective clinical use.